A VNMP can be based on guidelines provided by which organization?

• A. U.S. Department of Agriculture only.
• B. Local soil and water conservation district only.
• C. The Ohio Department of Agriculture or equivalent approved documents.
• D. Environmental Protection Agency only.

Answer: (C)

VNMPs are built on standards set by the state’s regulatory authority to ensure plans meet Ohio-specific nutrient management and water-quality requirements. The Ohio Department of Agriculture develops and approves the guidelines used to formulate a VNMP, and documents that are officially approved by the ODA (or its designated equivalent) are the accepted basis. While federal agencies like USDA or EPA provide broad nutrient-management guidance, they are not the specific source for VNMP guidelines in Ohio, and local districts may assist but do not replace the state-approved documents.